Attenuated adenosine mediated immune-dampening increases natural killer cell activity in early age-related macular degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and has been linked to altered intraocular immunity. Our investigation focuses on immune cell subsets and inflammation-associated factors in the eyes with early and intermediate AMD. We observed elevated levels of activated natural killer (NK) cells and interferon-γ, concurrent with reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and adenosine in AMD eyes. Aqueous humor from AMD patients had diminished ability to dampen NK cell activation, an effect rescued by adenosine supplementation. The Cryba1 cKO mouse model recapitulated these immune alterations, and single-cell RNA-sequencing identified NK cell-related genes and NK cell-RPE interactions. Co-culture of activated NK cells

SUBMITTER: Nair AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11838234 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature